NORAD Tracks Santa Supported By the Eastern Air Defense Sector

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New York Air National Guardsmen Tech. Sgt. Brady King of the 224th Air Defense Squadron studiously prepares for Santa tracking operations during recent training at the Eastern Air Defense Sector in Rome. A headquarters unit of the North American Aerospace

Maj. Jennifer King, a member of the New York Air National Guard's 224th Air Defense Squadron, prepares for tracking Santa during a recent training session at the Eastern Air Defense Sector in Rome. A headquarters unit of the North American Aerospace Defen

New York Air National Guardsmen Master Sgt. Shane Reid, front, and Tech. Sgt. Brady King, both of the 224th Air Defense Squadron, train for upcoming Santa tracking operations at the Eastern Air Defense Sector in Rome. A headquarters unit of the North Amer

ROME, NY (12/20/2018) As North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Tracks Santa ramps up this year, the New York Air National Guardsmen and Royal Canadian Air Force personnel of the Eastern Air Defense Sector play a key role Dec. 24.

"NORAD has supported Santa Claus' Christmas Eve operations for 60 years and we are always delighted to help," said Col. Emil J. Filkorn, EADS Commander. "I can assure everyone that EADS will do everything in its power to assist Santa with his critical mission."

EADS is a sector for the Continental NORAD Region. Like NORAD, it is a joint, bi-national military organization composed of U.S. and Canadian military forces, federal civilians and contractors. It is located within Griffiss Business and Technology Park in Rome, New York.

Its mission is to counter all air threats to the eastern half of the continental U.S. through vigilant detection, rapid warning and precise tactical control of NORAD forces. The same radars, satellites and interceptors employed on December 24 are used year round to defend Canada and the United States.